Prior to this first ever meeting between the teams they were separated by goal difference only, so it is no surprise they cancelled each other out and settled for a point each.

Eastern Daily Press: Travis Cole in action for Lowestoft against Dorking. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowTravis Cole in action for Lowestoft against Dorking. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft were able to welcome back Rory McAuley and Rossi Jarvis in place of the injured Dan Humphreys and Shaun Bammant, who dropped to the bench. Nico Cotton was making his final appearance before returning to Southend United.

The hosts went close to taking the lead with just 48 seconds on the clock when Matty Foy was played through but pulled his shot across the face of the goal and just the wrong side of the upright. In an enterprising opening Travis Cole sent a header over the top and Foy again went close with a second clear opportunity.

Dorking were also pushing forward at every opportunity but were restricted to long-range efforts, with James McShane not far over the bar.

Foy was looking lively and robbed a defender near the byline and cut inside, but his shot from a narrow angle rebounded out off Slavomir Huk and was cleared by Isaac Philpott.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft's Matthew Foy tries to make something happen in the area. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowLowestoft's Matthew Foy tries to make something happen in the area. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Dorking's best chance came as the first half came to an end with Cole losing his footing, allowing Tom Tolfrey a clear run at goal. But, with just Ben Dudzinski to beat, it was the Trawlerboys' keeper who came out on top, saving with his legs.

Lowestoft had a great chance to open the scoring when Jake Reed was brought down by Jerome Beckles in the area and got up to take the resultant penalty himself. However, his poorly-struck spot-kick was easily saved by Huk with the keeper then clutching Jacek Zielonka's header after Harvey Hodd had returned the ball.

The feeling it was Town's day again grew as Zielonka's inswinging corner was missed by Huk but cleared off the line.

Dorking were reduced to 10 men three minutes from the end when Beckles was sent off for kicking the ball into the body of Reed who was lying on the ground having just been fouled.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the match between Lowestoft and Dorking. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowAction from the match between Lowestoft and Dorking. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft: Dudzinski, Barker, Smith, Fisk (Zielonka 57), McAuley, Cole, Hodd (Bammant 79), Reed, Foy, Cotton, Subs not used: Borrer, Nyadzayo, Putnins.

Dorking: Huk, Philpott, Boulter, Ray, Beckles, Taylor, Pearse (Putman 70), Sheridan, Sole (Moore 57), Tolfrey (Chendling 79), McShane, Subs not used: Hamlin, Beard.

Referee: P Burnham. Att: 344

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft midfielder Andrew Fisk in action against Dorking. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowLowestoft midfielder Andrew Fisk in action against Dorking. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Eastern Daily Press: Bungay Town Ladies move to within a point of top spot in Division One of the Norfolk Womens & Girls League thanks to a 5-0 win at Long Stratton Ladies. Picture: ArchantBungay Town Ladies move to within a point of top spot in Division One of the Norfolk Womens & Girls League thanks to a 5-0 win at Long Stratton Ladies. Picture: Archant (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)